Chufa
$4.00
(Cyperus esculentus)
Chufa (also called earth almond or tiger nut) is a strange plant which has been grown since prehistoric times in Egypt. A sedge – it looks rather like a clump of grass when growing – it does not flower, but instead produces loads of little edible tubers. The tubers dry after harvest and can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted, or made into various other dishes; when raw, I would describe them as having a taste and texture similar to coconut, which is even better if you soak them in water for 8 hours before eating.
This variety produces many tubers up to ½”/ 12 mm across. Be careful when weeding around it early in the season: the things that look like grass are your crop! The plants will start as tiny green shoots, but will send up lots of tillers as the season progresses. Will grow until frost stops it. 15 tubers/packet.
Out of stock
Chufa does not flower; instead, propagate it by planting tubers. Because it is not frost hardy, I start them indoors and transplant them out after risk of frost is passed. Soak tubers for 24 hours before planting ¾-1” deep. Transplant out 6” apart. Will grow until frost stops it; dig tubers, clean them, and dry them for storage. The longer your season, the more tubers you will get.